Georgia coach Kirby Smart knows that beating a top team is only part of the challenge in the SEC. The Bulldogs' 20-17 victory over Alabama showed how demanding the conference can be, even for a program that has established itself among college football's elite.
Georgia had to fight back after trailing 14-10 at halftime in Tuscaloosa. Its defense responded after the break. The team allowed just three second-half points as the Bulldogs secured their first regular-season win over Alabama under Smart.
Additionally, the victory marked Georgia's first win in Tuscaloosa since 2007. After the game, Smart said the quiet part out loud.
“And another week in the SEC, 'cause humility is a week away,’ as you saw today. So it's gonna be physical. Gonna be tough,” he said.
The result improved Georgia to 6-0 and strengthened its position in the national championship conversation.
Smart's team found a way to win a close game against a familiar SEC rival, but the matchup also showed how difficult it is to get comfortable against elite competition in the conference.